Nick Christmas RIP (former drummer with Norman Sylvester)

Nick Christmas, known to Portland blues music fans as the drummer for the Norman Sylvester Band during the late 80s and 90s, and more recently as the drummer for Blues Train, has died. Nick had recently retired from the Bonneville Power Administration, and was enjoying spending his time with his children and his drums. A man with a huge smile and huge wrists, who always declared his love for people, Nick’s sudden loss leaves a huge painful hole in the lives of his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

The following account was published in the Oregonian:

Nick Christmas III, 63, of North Portland, was found in a vehicle that rolled down an embankment off North Portland Road, south of North Marine Drive, according to the Portland Police Bureau. Reports about the vehicle came in at about 7:15 a.m. Saturday.

Investigators believe Christmas was traveling southbound on North Portland Road when he lost control of the vehicle on the icy roadway. The car hit a concrete barrier and then rolled several times before landing on its side in a ditch. Police said speed and road conditions contributed to the crash.

Emergency responders said the vehicle appeared to have been there for some time before officers learned of the crash. Police have not said exactly what caused Christmas’ death. North Portland Road was closed briefly Saturday while police investigated.